Portico Server should run on a computer that can stay on and keep steady access to your media folders. A desktop is fine for testing. For shared use, a dedicated computer, a home server or a properly configured virtual machine is usually a better choice.
Start with the media path
The server needs reliable read access to every folder a library uses. Storage attached directly to the server is the simplest option. Network storage works too, as long as the Portico service account can reconnect to it after a reboot without anyone signing in first.
Allow for playback work
Direct play takes very little processing. Transcoding can need much more processing power, especially for high-resolution video. Supported hardware acceleration reduces CPU work. So the right server depends on the files you keep and the devices that will play them. See Direct play and transcoding for how Portico chooses between them.
Use a wired connection
Connect the server to your router or network switch with Ethernet whenever you can. Wi-Fi can work, but the server is the one device every stream depends on.
Plan for Portico data
Put Portico’s data folder on reliable storage with room for its database, artwork, logs and generated playback files. Back up this folder separately from your media. Portico data folder explains what it holds.